REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
AUGUST 24, 2021
The Salem City Council held a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at Salem City Hall, 229 West Main Street Salem, WV.
Mayor James Robert Samples called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. All in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America. Mayor Samples asked for a volunteer to give the blessing. The blessing was given by Council Member John Golden.
Mayor Samples called for roll call. PRESENT: Council Members John Sinnett, Linda Stuart, John Golden, Shawnette Stout, Crystal Ross, City Manager Ronnie Davis, City Attorney Sam Harrold ABSENT: Council Member Nancy Siders
Approval of Meeting Minutes — A motion was made by Council Member John Sinnett to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes for August 10, 2021. The motion was seconded by Council Member John Golden. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Council Member Sinnett – aye, Council Member Stuart – aye, Council Member Golden – aye, Council Member Stout – aye, Council Member Ross – aye, Mayor Samples – aye.
Phase II – Wastewater System Project — E.L. Robinson Representative Jeff Petry informed Council Members that the WV DEP still has yet to reply to the Long-Term Control Plan. In the meantime, the City can move forward onto Phase III and that will show the WV DEP that the City is progressing and correcting deficiencies in the wastewater system. Phase III will encompass upgrades to the Wastewater Treatment Plant that will double the capacity and cost an estimated $10 million. Mr. Petry stated that he will be in contact with Region VI Representative Sheena Hunt to apply for a grant or low-cost funding. Mr. Petry stated further that this project will take time and at minimum two years without any roadblocks.
Phase III – Water System Improvement Project — There was nothing new to report on this project. At the previous meeting, Region VI Representative Sheena Hunt presented Council Members with the final draw down and the Final Performance Report.
Phase IV – Water System Improvement Project — There was nothing new to report on this project. At a previous meeting, Region VI Representative Sheena Hunt informed Council Members that the grant applications have not been released yet so it is unclear when it will be due. The Preliminary Engineering Report has been submitted. IJDC has accepted the Preliminary Application. The project came in at $3.1 million with proposed funding in the amount of $2 million from CDBG, $1 million from IJDC, and the City’s contribution of $100,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funds. The Phase IV Water System Improvement Project will entail replacing the 8-inch cast iron line from the entrance of Dog Run at East Main Street to Harbert Funeral Home.
Sidewalk Project — There were no new updates to report.
City Attorney’s Report — City Attorney Sam Harrold had nothing to report.
City Manager’s Report
1. City Manager Ronnie Davis requested Executive Session to discuss Personnel Matters.
2. City Manager Ronnie Davis informed Council Members that there are some drainage issues on the rail trail that will require some culverts. Mr. Davis will have costs associated with the repairs at the next Council Meeting.
3. City Manager Ronnie Davis informed Council Members that the two pieces of park equipment that needed removed have been removed. The next step is to mulch around the other equipment.
Public Sign-in Sheet — Mrs. Annette Gibson informed Council Members that the ACTS group has started a petition to save the Red Barn and has over 900 signatures at this time. Mrs. Gibson stated that the ACTS group is offering to seek financial assistance and grants. The group would like to put in new playground and basketball equipment, a putt-putt golf course, and utilize the bottom of the Red Barn for putt-putt golf rentals and refreshments. The upstairs of the Red Barn could be utilized as a game room. Mrs. Gibson requested that the city repair the barn roof while they’re seeking funding.
A motion was made by Council Member John Sinnett to go into Executive Session. The motion was seconded by Council Member John Golden. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Council Member Sinnett – aye, Council Member Stuart – aye, Council Member Golden – aye, Council Member Stout – aye, Council Member Ross – aye, Mayor Samples – aye.
Council Members went into Executive Session at 6:27 pm.
A motion was made by Council Member John Sinnett to return to Regular Session. The motion was seconded by Council Member Shawnette Stout. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Council
Member Sinnett – aye, Council Member Stuart – aye, Council Member Golden – aye, Council Member Stout – aye, Council Member Ross – aye, Mayor Samples – aye.
Council Members returned to Regular Session at 7:26 pm.
Mayor Samples stated that finances and personnel matters were discussed in Executive Session.
City Manager Ronnie Davis discussed the Tabled Item regarding “Parks”. Mr. Davis requested to purchase three pieces of playground equipment in the amount of $17,608.98. A motion was made by Council Member John Golden to purchase the three pieces of playground equipment in the amount of $17,608.98. The motion was seconded by Council Member Shawnette Stout. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Council Member Sinnett – aye, Council Member Stuart – aye, Council Member Golden – aye, Council Member Stout – aye, Council Member Ross – aye, Mayor Samples – aye.
A motion was made by Council Member John Sinnett to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 7:28 pm.